In a new, joint publication, the World Health Organization and the International Water Association cover different aspects of social cost-benefit analysis as a basis for selecting investment options for the development of small community drinking-water supplies.

Economic criteria shape investments in drinking-water supply systems and services. Yet, they tend to focus on large, urban infrastructural works. As a result, a large part of the world's rural and peri-urban population which relies on small community water supplies does not benefit from well-informed decision-making in choosing the best option.

Written by a multi-disciplinary team, Valuing Water, Valuing Livelihoods provides practical examples to support its guidance how to deal with the economic aspects of drinking-water supply, livelihood strategies and public health priorities of people living in small communities.